U.S. Representative Ken Calvert (R-Corona) has praised the Fiscal Year 2024 Defense Appropriations Act, asserting that the legislation will facilitate the tasks of the nation’s military. A press release issued by Calvert’s office on March 19 revealed that the Republican lawmaker chairs the Defense Appropriations Subcommittee.
“The Fiscal Year 2024 Defense Appropriations Act provides our military with the resources it needs to protect America and defend our interests around the globe,” Calvert said in the release,” said Calvert. “Consistent with the top line agreement, this package reinvests in our men and women in uniform and funds the capabilities necessary to secure our nation. As Chairman of the House Appropriations Defense Subcommittee, I have prioritized five areas that are reflected in this act: countering China and staying ahead of our adversaries; prioritizing innovation for military superiority; achieving a more efficient and effective Pentagon; enhancing the military’s role in counterdrug efforts; and supporting our servicemembers and their families,” he added.”
Calvert identified China as the U.S.’s “most pressing national security challenge.”
“The FY24 defense appropriations act focuses on the capabilities and assets required to put us in a position, along with our allies, to secure our priorities in the Pacific,” said Calvert in the release.
The bill aims to achieve goals such as increasing security cooperation funding for Taiwan, allocating $33.5 billion for procurement of eight new battle force ships and opposing divestment of four ships, and providing more than $200 million in support of the Replicator autonomous systems initiative.
Calvert’s office stated that the package will also prioritize innovation, ensuring at least $80 million.
“The best way to leverage America’s technological superiority into a military advantage is to disrupt the status quo in our weapons acquisition process and find new ways to deliver innovative tools more rapidly to our warfighters,” Calvert said. “I am proud of the historic investments included in this act for new funding pathways to invest in innovation.”
According to the press release, Calvert also highlighted that the act will modernize and optimize Pentagon operations – a move he believes is long overdue. It will also increase military involvement in combating the fentanyl crisis and provide at least $30 million to assist active servicemembers and their families.
